NLIS 5
June 9, 2000
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Contract awarded for removal of Little Falls Bridge

A tender was awarded to Western Construction Company Ltd. for the removal of the Little Falls Bridge, on the western side of Sir Richard Squires Park. Rick Woodford, Minister of the Department of Works, Services and Transportation, announced the details of the $143,674.10 contract today.

"The contractor will start removing the bridge as soon as he obtains the necessary permits," said Minister Woodford. "Once the existing bridge is gone, we�ll issue tenders for the construction of a new steel structure. My goal is to have this route to the park accessible hopefully within the next several months."

The concrete bridge was closed in late May after it was determined that the force of the Humber River eroded the base of the bridge�s middle pier, resulting in a shifting of the pier. Subsequent damage was also done to the deck.

Visitors to the park can temporarily access the park from the Kruger woods road, which connects to the old Trans Canada Highway. This road is now being upgraded to provide suitable access to the park for this year�s tourist season.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2000 06 09                             1:55 p.m.